8 Secluded Stays With Saunas You’ll Want To Book Now

Saunas are popping up everywhere from bathhouses to recovery clinics with hot-cold contrast therapy but can you sauna where you sleep, too? You can at these slow stays.

1. Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas

Ladling water over the hot coals, steam rises in front of floor-to-ceiling glass – the only thing separating you from the pristine waters of Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula.

a man sitting in a sauna at Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas — Take in the beauty of Coles Bay from within your private sauna. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Guests at Still at Freycinet – a three-bedroom architectural abode designed with hygge in mind – are invited to indulge in a ‘Nordic cycle’ during their stay: a hot sauna followed by a blast of cold beneath the outdoor shower, then a moment in the outdoor lounge to refuel with cider, chocolate and nuts from the complimentary sauna ritual pack. And repeat!

Exterior of sauna at Still at Freycinet — Indulge in a ‘Nordic Cycle’ during your stay. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Inside the lounge at Still at Freycinet — The modern abode is designed to allow the beauty of nature to flow inside. (Image: Renee Thurston)

Thick, fluffy bathrobes and essential oils add to the spa-like atmosphere while private yoga, meditation and sound bath sessions can be arranged during your stay. A private chef is also available to whip up Nordic-inspired meals post-sauna, either booked alone or part of a three-day self-guided wellness package.

a man sitting in a tub at Still at Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tas — The accommodation has been designed with hygge in mind. (Image: Ben Little @bennybnb)

2. Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA

‘Luxurious wellness retreat’ is the vibe of this new three-bedroom bolthole, 150 metres from the sands of Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.

The traditional Finnish barrel sauna at Salty Brush — The traditional Finnish barrel sauna offers year-round appeal. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

The lounge area interior in Salty Brush — Aesthetically pleasing interiors flow through to luxurious outside additions like the sauna and spa. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

The brainchild of two mates from Sydney, a builder and an electrician, the sustainable build – using prefabricated timber installed on ground screw piers to minimise waste and environment impact – is not only aesthetically beautiful inside but a six-person spa bath and a traditional Finnish barrel sauna elevate the al fresco experience for year-round appeal.

a outdoor spa bath at Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA — The six-person spa bath is a luxurious addition. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

Salty Brush is fuelled by rainwater and 80 per cent renewable energy thanks to the onsite solar panels and batteries, while walls are hung with works from Sydney artist, Montana Moore, all of which are available to purchase.

The bathroom at Salty Brush — Every design detail has been made with wellness and relaxation in mind.(Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

the wellness area at Salty Brush, Kangaroo Island, SA — Salty Brush is centred around wellness. (Image: Rhyy Gaskin Photography)

3. The Pavilion, Spring Beach, Tas

Overlooking a full-size tennis court, The Pavilion not only has the perfect bush-swaddled setting for Pimms in the sun after a few sets, but the west-facing sauna and wellness deck allow you to take in the beautiful sunsets at the end of the day.

the exterior of The Pavilion in Spring Beach, Tas — The Pavilion is set in a laidback bush setting.

Alternate between the traditional Finnish sauna and cold shower, with robe, slippers and a hydration sachet at hand.

a traditional Finnish sauna at The Pavilion in Spring Beach, Tas — Nourish yourself on the sauna and wellness deck.

Then turn your eyes to the sky to spot the resident wedge-tailed eagle, wander down to the sands of Spring Beach, and make use of the supplied pizza base ingredients to cook up a feast in the woodfired pizza oven.

the tennis court view from The Pavilion, Spring Beach, Tas — The Pavilion overlooks a full-size tennis court.

4. Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat, Doonan, Qld

Found 15 minutes from the hubbub of Hastings Street in Noosa, Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat has been designed with wellness in mind. A sister property to Alsahwa Retreat in Noosa (a wellness-focussed farm stay on a regenerative macadamia farm), here a sparkling pool hovers over lush landscaping while a converted shed houses an infrared sauna, ice bath, and private gym.

lush greenery setting outside Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat, Doonan, Qld — Reconnect with nature at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat. (Image: Aimee Dodge Photography)

While it’s open to regular stays, it really comes into its own as a retreat venue. Design your own or call on the in-house concierge service to add a private chef, personal trainer, breathwork sessions or yoga classes.

the surrounding forest at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat in Doonan, Qld — Every element has been designed with wellness in mind.

Four bedrooms are in the main residence, while a tiny home with two more double beds is also included in the price, sleeping up to 13 guests.

the bedroom at Fila Marrakesh Private Retreat — A good night’s sleep is guaranteed. (Image: Aimee Dodge Photography)

5. Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW

Hovering above a machinery shed on a working farm in the Wollombi Valley, the sauna experience at Little Valley Farm is as down-to-earth and authentic as it is secluded.

the exterior of Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm — The Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm is a secluded hideaway.

Inside the Finnish sauna at Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley — The Finnish wood-fired sauna is crafted by hand. (Image: Lee Besser)

Crafted by hand by co-owner Euan Wilcox, using mostly reclaimed timber, the Finnish wood-fired sauna and adjacent rainwater-fed shower is beloved by guests who report the deepest sleep they’ve had in years – especially snuggled in the king size bed beneath a handmade doona filled with alpaca wool from their farm.

a king size bed at Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW — Get cosy in the king-size bed with alpaca wool blankets.

The Shearers Studio is set 100 metres from their other quirky accommodation offering – a 1950s Sydney Train carriage.

two chairs facing a wine barrel table at Little Valley Farm — Life’s little luxuries are also part and parcel if a wellness weekend at Little Valley Farm.

6. Leighton House, Tas

The sandstone wellness deck at Leighton House in northern Tasmania is so spectacular you could be forgiven for spending all your time outdoors. Here, the stage is set for a rotation between the cedar barrel sauna, outdoor shower and hot tub – either before or after you roll out the yoga mats for a stretch.

Light the fire pit and return with a glass of wine picked up from the Tamar Valley, right on your doorstep. As beautiful as the 121-hectare farm is – with views of Ben Lomond Mountain – the suites in the meticulously restored Georgian cottage and its architectural extension are also worth retreating to on their own.

Sunset at Leighton House — Watch the day slip away from the wellness deck. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Lounge room at Leighton House — The interiors are as stylish as they are comfortable. (Image: Adam Gibson)

7. Dales Run, Jamberoo, NSW

Set between rolling green hills and the ocean just five minutes from Kiama on the South Coast, Dales Run provides the ultimate setting for a DIY wellness retreat.

Views from the balcony at Dales Run near Kiama — Rise to meet views of rolling green hills.

Owner and health practitioner, Jessica McIntyre-Geering, noticed a lot of people struggling with post-Covid nervous system burnout and built a specialised Wellness Room alongside essential oil and tea rituals in response.

Painting ritual at Dales Run near KIama — Dales Run offers a take-what-you-need approach to wellness.

Infrared sauna at Dales Run — The infrared sauna is one of the many wellness options to take advantage of during your stay.

During your stay, you’re invited to pick a ritual card that resonates and jump in the infrared sauna, have a cold outdoor shower, then enjoy the outdoor bathtub and finish around the firepit, sipping tea blended by Jess.

The outdoor bathtub at Dales Run — The outdoor bathtub is a novel way to end the day.

Yoga mats and virtual classes are on hand, while onsite massages, kinesiology and NER (Naturopathic Emotional Release) sessions can also be arranged.

8. Scandi House, Lorne Vic

If there’s one thing five-time Olympian and gold medallist Lydia Lassila knows, it’s the power of recovery. Combine that with a professional athlete spouse, who’s also a Finn, and it’s inevitable that their luxurious Lorne holiday home would come with a sauna.

Scandi House keeps the whole family happy while you treat your temple – give them the plunge pool and inground trampoline, while you take the reformer pilates studio, sauna and deep bathtub overlooking the beach.

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

8 secluded stays with saunas you’ll want to book now